Swiss Federal Railways Says Apple Copied Their Railway Clock Design

The Swiss Federal Railway service (known as Schweizerische Bundesbahnen) is accusing Apple of using their iconic clock as the design for the Clock app on the iPad without permission. This was reported by the Swiss newspaper Blick. The clock was originally designed by Hans Hilfiker and it has become an icon of the Swiss railway and of Switzerland itself. The trademark and copyright of the clock is owned by the Swiss Federal Railways service.

In the article by Blick, it says:

“SBB is the sole owner of the trademark and copyright of the railway clock. The railway company will now get in touch with Apple. The aim is a legal, as well as a financial solution. It is not right that one [Apple] simply copies the design.”

Apple Switzerland did not comment and is directing reporters to Apple’s corporate headquarters in the United States. The image of the clock is licensed widely as watch-maker company Mondaine sells watches that look just like the clock around the world.